Preoperative Pulmonary Artery-to-Aorta Diameter Ratio as a Predictor of Postoperative Severe Right Ventricular Failure and 1-Year Mortality After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Abstract

To evaluate the association of pulmonary artery diameter and pulmonary artery- to-aorta diameter ratio (PA/Ao) with right ventricular failure and mortality within 1 year after left ventricular assist device implantation. This was a retrospective observational study between March 2013 and July 2019. The study was conducted at a single, quaternary-care academic center. Adults (≥18 years old) receiving a durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Inclusion if (1) a chest computed tomography scan was performed within 30 days before the LVAD and (2) a right and left heart catheterization was completed within 30 days before the LVAD. A left ventricular assist device was used for intervention. A total of 176 patients were included in this study. Median PA diameter and PA/Ao ratio were significantly greater in the severe right ventricular failure (RVF) group (p=0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed PA/Ao and RVF as predictors for mortality (area under the curve=0.725 and 0.933, respectively). Logistic regression analysis-predicted probability gave a PA/Ao ratio cutoff point of 1.04 (p < 0.001). Survival probability was significantly worse in patients with a PA/Ao ratio ≥1.04 (p=0.005). The PA/Ao ratio is an easily measurable noninvasive indicator that can predict RVF and 1-year mortality after LVAD implantation.